Digital table game systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A gaming system includes an EGM having a horizontally mounted display device, a reader device configured to wirelessly detect tagged items. The EGM is configured to detect, using the reader device, the presence of a first tagged item and determine a tag identifier (ID) of the first tagged item. The EGM is also configured to transmit a tag detection message to a gaming support server and receive, from the gaming support server, a response message including an amount of play credits to be added to a credit meter of the EGM. The EGM is further configured to increment a first credit meter on the EGM by the amount of play credits identified in the response message and to conduct instances of game play of an electronic game on the display device, each instance of game play decrementing the first credit meter to enable play.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of, and claims priority to,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/899,525, filed Jun. 11, 2020, andentitled “DIGITAL TABLE GAME SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” which is acontinuation-in-part of, and claims priority to, United States DesignPatent Application No. 29/663,818, filed Sep. 19, 2018, and entitled“SLOT TABLE HYBRID DESIGN,” which are hereby incorporated by referencein their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The field of disclosure relates generally to electronic gaming, and moreparticularly to digital table electronic gaming systems and methods forevaluating a digital table electronic game.

BACKGROUND

Electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) or gaming devices provide a varietyof wagering games such as slot games, video poker games, video blackjackgames, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games and other types ofgames that are frequently offered at casinos and other locations. Playon EGMs typically involves a player establishing a credit balance byinputting money, or another form of monetary credit, and placing amonetary wager (from the credit balance) on one or more outcomes of aninstance (or single play) of a primary or base game. In some cases, aplayer may qualify for a special mode of the base game, a secondarygame, or a bonus round of the base game by attaining a certain winningcombination or triggering event in, or related to, the base game, orafter the player is randomly awarded the special mode, secondary game,or bonus round. In the special mode, secondary game, or bonus round, theplayer is given an opportunity to win extra game credits, game tokens orother forms of payout. In the case of “game credits” that are awardedduring play, the game credits are typically added to a credit metertotal on the EGM and can be provided to the player upon completion of agaming session or when the player wants to “cash out.”

“Slot” type games are often displayed to the player in the form ofvarious symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specificmatching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths (or paylines)through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The displaytypically highlights winning combinations/outcomes for readyidentification by the player. Matching combinations and theircorresponding awards are usually shown in a “pay-table” which isavailable to the player for reference. Often, the player may varyhis/her wager to include differing numbers of paylines and/or the amountbet on each line. By varying the wager, the player may sometimes alterthe frequency or number of winning combinations, frequency or number ofsecondary games, and/or the amount awarded.

Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determinethe outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certainpercentage of the amount wagered back to the player over the course ofmany plays or instances of the game, which is generally referred to asreturn to player (RTP). The RTP and randomness of the RNG ensure thefairness of the games and are highly regulated. Upon initiation of play,the RNG randomly determines a game outcome and symbols are then selectedwhich correspond to that outcome. Notably, some games may include anelement of skill on the part of the player and are therefore notentirely random.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a gaming system is provided. The gaming system includesan electronic gaming machine (EGM). The EGM includes a display devicehorizontally mounted in a cabinet housing such that a top surface of thedisplay device is horizontal and forms some or all of a table surface.The EGM also includes a reader device configured to wirelessly detecttagged items within a detection range. The EGM further includes an EGMprocessor configured to execute instructions stored in a memory that,when executed, cause the EGM processor to at least detect, using thereader device, the presence of a first tagged item within the detectionrange. The instructions also cause the EGM processor to determine a tagidentifier (ID) of the first tagged item. The instructions further causethe EGM processor to transmit a tag detection message to a gamingsupport server. The tag detection message includes the tag ID of thefirst tagged item. The instructions also cause the EGM processor toreceive, from the gaming support server, a response message including anamount of play credits to be added to a credit meter of the EGM. Theinstructions further cause the EGM processor to increment a first creditmeter on the EGM by the amount of play credits identified in theresponse message. The instructions also cause the EGM processor toconduct instances of game play of an electronic game on the displaydevice, each instance of game play decrementing the first credit meterto enable play.

In another aspect, an electronic gaming machine (EGM) is provided. TheEGM includes a display device horizontally mounted in a cabinet housingsuch that a top surface of the display device is horizontal and formssome or all of a table surface. The EGM also includes a reader deviceconfigured to wirelessly detect tagged items within a detection range.The EGM further includes an EGM processor configured to executeinstructions stored in a memory that, when executed, cause the EGMprocessor to at least detect, using the reader device, the presence of afirst tagged item within the detection range. The instructions alsocause the EGM processor to determine a tag identifier (ID) of the firsttagged item. The instructions further cause the EGM processor totransmit a tag detection message to a gaming support server. The tagdetection message includes the tag ID of the first tagged item. Theinstructions also cause the EGM processor to receive, from the gamingsupport server, a response message including an amount of play creditsto be added to a credit meter of the EGM. The instructions further causethe EGM processor to increment a first credit meter on the EGM by theamount of play credits identified in the response message. Theinstructions also cause the EGM processor to conduct instances of gameplay of an electronic game on the display device, each instance of gameplay decrementing the first credit meter to enable play.

In yet another aspect, a method of providing an electronic game isprovided. The method includes detecting, using a reader device of anEGM, the presence of a first tagged item within a detection range. Themethod also includes determining a tag identifier (ID) of the firsttagged item. The method further includes transmitting a tag detectionmessage to a gaming support server. The tag detection message includesthe tag ID of the first tagged item. The method also includes receiving,from the gaming support server, a response message including an amountof play credits to be added to a credit meter of the EGM. The methodalso includes incrementing a first credit meter on the EGM by the amountof play credits identified in the response message. The method furtherincludes conducting instances of game play of the electronic game on thedisplay device, each instance of game play decrementing the first creditmeter to enable play.

In still another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium isprovided. The computer-readable medium includes instructions that, whenexecuted by a processor, cause the processor to detect, using a readerdevice of an EGM, the presence of a first tagged item within a detectionrange. The instructions also cause the processor to determine a tagidentifier (ID) of the first tagged item. The instructions further causethe processor to transmit a tag detection message to a gaming supportserver. The tag detection message includes the tag ID of the firsttagged item. The instructions also cause the processor to receive, fromthe gaming support server, a response message including an amount ofplay credits to be added to a credit meter of the EGM. The instructionsfurther cause the processor to increment a first credit meter on the EGMby the amount of play credits identified in the response message. Theinstructions also cause the processor to conduct instances of game playof the electronic game on the display device, each instance of game playdecrementing the first credit meter to enable play.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing several EGMs networked withvarious gaming related servers.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing various functional elements of anexemplary EGM.

FIG. 2B depicts a casino gaming environment according to one example.

FIG. 2C is a diagram that shows examples of components of a system forproviding online gaming according to some aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates, in block diagram form, an embodiment of a gameprocessing architecture algorithm that implements a game processingpipeline for the play of a game in accordance with various embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary slot table hybrid gamingsystem in accordance with various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5A illustrates example embodiments for a method of establishingplay credits on the EGM in conjunction with a purchase order (e.g.,purchase of food or beverage) made using the POS device in the gamingsystem shown in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 5B illustrates example embodiments for another method ofestablishing play credits on the EGM in conjunction with a purchaseorder using the POS device in the gaming system shown in FIG. 4

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary tabletop EGM for use withgaming system shown in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the EGM shown in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 is flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for providing anelectronic game implemented using gaming system shown in FIG. 4 on theEGM shown in FIGS. 6 and 7

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In various embodiments, an electronic gaming system for playing adigital table game is provided herein. For example, in at least oneembodiment, the system described herein tracks purchases of a player(e.g., purchases of beverages at a bar) using a point-of-sale (POS)device and award play credits for the table game (e.g., a virtual wheelspin game) based on the purchase transaction. The system may store theplay credits in a memory in association with a player identifiercorresponding to the player. The player then requests a play (e.g., aspin) at an EGM included in the system (e.g., a tabletop EGM at whichmultiple patrons may be seated during a social gathering, such as fordinner or drinks). The system may identify the player identifiercorresponding to the player, verify that the player has sufficient playcredits, and initiate the play in response to the verification. In someembodiments, the system may identify the player by detecting, at theEGM, a payment device (e.g., a payment card), a player loyalty card, oranother token that may be associated with the player identifier storedin the memory (e.g., a radio frequency identification (RFID) tagembedded in a beverage glass). During the play, the system displays agraphical representation of the game (e.g., an animation of a spinningwheel, an animation of spinning slot reels) on the tabletop display ofthe EGM in view of all patrons seated at the table. The systemdetermines a game outcome (e.g., using a random number generator (RNG))and awards prizes to any vested players based on the result of that spin(e.g., displaying a notification of the prize and crediting the winningplayer(s), printing a coupon corresponding to the prize at the EGM, orthe like).

The systems and methods described herein therefore embody a variety oftechnical aspects that are configured to achieve certain technicaleffects, such as, for example: (a) a data structure that includes aplayer identifier associated with a number of play credits and one ormore of a payment account, a rewards account, information correspondingto a token (e.g., an RFID tag), and a weight of an item (e.g., abeverage glass) corresponding to the player identifier; (b) an EGM thatcan identify a player identifier based on one or more of a paymentaccount, a rewards account, information corresponding to a token (e.g.,an RFID tag), and a weight of an item (e.g., a beverage glass)corresponding to the player identifier; (c) an EGM that can award playcredits based on transactions detected at a POS device; and (d) an EGMthat can support multiplayer gameplay by providing an EGM including awheel that may be used to simultaneously determine prizes to one or moreof a plurality of players based on an RNG call.

Conventional EGM games typically do not include a community aspect togame play. Rather, the games are for just a single person to play. Thisnew digital tabletop game and tabletop EGM provides a community aspectwhere more than one person can play and experience the excitement of thegame in a social setting. For example, the system enables multipleindividuals to play simultaneously by providing a shared interface(e.g., including a graphical representation of a wheel on the tabletopdisplay) and allows multiple patrons to enter into game play for gamerounds of the tabletop game. Each individual vested in a particular spinmay have their own marker that identifies their own award position aftera wheel spin (e.g., with perhaps multiple markers at various spotsaround the wheel), or a group may share a single marker that determinesthe award that all vested players receive based on the result of thewheel spin.

Conventional EGMs also may not include a social aspect of being able toplay the EGM game in a social setting such as a bar or restaurant. Here,the EGM is configured to be suitable for a bar or restaurant setting,where purchases of beverages and food items can also provide a number ofspins (e.g., individually credited to the purchaser or communallycredited to the EGM for use by the seated group) that can be used forthe tabletop game. Further, awards for the spins may be tailored to thatsame social setting, such as providing free food (e.g., a freeappetizer), beverages (e.g., free drinks), or free spins for thetabletop game.

FIG. 1 illustrates several different models of EGMs which may benetworked to various gaming related servers. Shown is a system 100 in agaming environment including one or more server computers 102 (e.g.,slot servers of a casino) that are in communication, via acommunications network, with one or more gaming devices 104A-104X (EGMs,slots, video poker, bingo machines, etc.) that can implement one or moreaspects of the present disclosure. The gaming devices 104A-104X mayalternatively be portable and/or remote gaming devices such as, but notlimited to, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a game console. Gamingdevices 104A-104X utilize specialized software and/or hardware to formnon-generic, particular machines or apparatuses that comply withregulatory requirements regarding devices used for wagering or games ofchance that provide monetary awards. Additionally, or alternatively, oneor more of gaming devices 104A-104X may be configured as a tabletopgame, as shown below in FIG. 4 .

Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the servercomputers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct orindirect using one or more communication protocols. As an example,gaming devices 104A-104X and the server computers 102 can communicateover one or more communication networks, such as over the Internetthrough a web site maintained by a computer on a remote server or overan online data network including commercial online service providers,Internet service providers, private networks (e.g., local area networksand enterprise networks), and the like (e.g., wide area networks). Thecommunication networks could allow gaming devices 104A-104X tocommunicate with one another and/or the server computers 102 using avariety of communication-based technologies, such as radio frequency(RF) (e.g., wireless fidelity (WiFi®) and Bluetooth®), cable TV,satellite links and the like.

In some implementation, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/orpreferred. For example, in one or more implementations, a stand-alonegaming device such as gaming device 104A, gaming device 104B or any ofthe other gaming devices 104C-104X can implement one or more aspects ofthe present disclosure. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMsconnected to networks implemented with one or more of the differentserver computers 102 described herein.

The server computers 102 may include a central determination gamingsystem server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, aplayer tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112,and/or a casino management system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104Xmay include features to enable operation of any or all servers for useby the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gamingestablishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may begenerated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and thentransmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals orremote gaming devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes anddisplay the results to the players.

Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction which may bealigned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operationon a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main doorwhich provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104Atypically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by aplayer that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an accesschannel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for aticket-out printer 126.

In FIG. 1 , gaming device 104A is shown as a Relm XL™ model gamingdevice manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. As shown, gamingdevice 104A is a reel machine having a gaming display area 118comprising a number (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels 130 withvarious symbols displayed on them. The mechanical reels 130 areindependently spun and stopped to show a set of symbols within thegaming display area 118 which may be used to determine an outcome to thegame.

In many configurations, the gaming device 104A may have a main display128 (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gamingdisplay area 118. The main display 128 can be a high-resolution liquidcrystal display (LCD), plasma, light emitting diode (LED), or organiclight emitting diode (OLED) panel which may be flat or curved as shown,a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlledvideo monitor.

In some implementations, the bill validator 124 may also function as a“ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued creditticket to load credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashlessticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless implementations, the gamingdevice 104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer 126 for outputting acredit ticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systemsare used to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicatorsprinted on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coinsby loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using aticket-out printer 126 on the gaming device 104A. The gaming device 104Acan have hardware meters for purposes including ensuring regulatorycompliance and monitoring the player credit balance. In addition, therecan be additional meters that record the total amount of money wageredon the gaming device, total amount of money deposited, total amount ofmoney withdrawn, total amount of winnings on gaming device 104A.

In some implementations, a player tracking card reader 144, atransceiver for wireless communication with a mobile device (e.g., aplayer's smartphone), a keypad 146, and/or an illuminated display 148for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player trackinginformation is provided in gaming device 104A. In such implementations,a game controller within the gaming device 104A can communicate with theplayer tracking system server 110 to send and receive player trackinginformation.

Gaming device 104A may also include a bonus topper wheel 134. When bonusplay is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome orset of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel 134 isoperative to spin and stop with indicator arrow 136 indicating theoutcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel 134 is typically used toplay a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of thebase or primary game.

A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may beactivated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) toindicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced amalfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also oftenused to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a handpayout of an award may be needed.

There may also be one or more information panels 152 which may be aback-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate generalgame information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g.,$0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game relatedgraphics. In some implementations, the information panel(s) 152 may beimplemented as an additional video display.

Gaming devices 104A have traditionally also included a handle 132typically mounted to the side of main cabinet 116 which may be used toinitiate game play.

Many or all the above described components can be controlled bycircuitry (e.g., a game controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in FIG. 2A.

An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in FIG. 1 is theArc™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc.Note that where possible, reference numerals identifying similarfeatures of the gaming device 104A implementation are also identified inthe gaming device 104B implementation using the same reference numbers.Gaming device 104B does not include physical reels and instead showsgame play functions on main display 128. An optional topper screen 140may be used as a secondary game display for bonus play, to show gamefeatures or attraction activities while a game is not in play, or anyother information or media desired by the game designer or operator. Insome implementations, the optional topper screen 140 may also oralternatively be used to display progressive jackpot prizes available toa player during play of gaming device 104B.

Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a maindoor which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device104B. The main or service door is typically used by service personnel torefill the ticket-out printer 126 and collect bills and tickets insertedinto the bill validator 124. The main or service door may also beaccessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, andfor general maintenance operations.

Another example gaming device 104C shown is the Helix™ model gamingdevice manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104Cincludes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation.Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the main display128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternativelyfrom side to side. In some implementations, main display 128A is a flatpanel display. Main display 128A is typically used for primary game playwhile secondary display 128B is typically used for bonus game play, toshow game features or attraction activities while the game is not inplay or any other information or media desired by the game designer oroperator. In some implementations, example gaming device 104C may alsoinclude speakers 142 to output various audio such as game sound,background music, etc.

Although gaming devices 104A-104X are shown in FIG. 1 as upright EGMs,the systems and methods described herein can be used on upright EGMs ortable type EGMs as shown in FIG. 4 .

Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, videoslot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo,and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depictedgaming devices 104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gamingdevice may also be operable to provide many different games. Games maybe differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game(e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill),denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive ornon-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class2 or Class 3, etc.

In an example embodiment, a tabletop EGM (not shown in FIG. 1 ) isprovided which may be similar to the gaming devices 104. The tabletopEGM may include a horizontal display device that can be used by patronsas a conventional table surface as well as for providing player input(e.g., touchscreen surface, mechanical buttons, or the like) and displayoutput (e.g., virtual wheel, virtual slot reels) for a tabletop game.The tabletop EGM may support participation for multiple players duringgame play (e.g., as patrons socially meet around the tabletop EGM).Example tabletop EGMs and features are described in greater detailbelow.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electroniccomponents of a gaming device 200 connected to various external systems.All or parts of the gaming device 200 shown could be used to implementany one of the example gaming devices 104A-X depicted in FIG. 1 . Asshown in FIG. 2A, gaming device 200 includes a topper display 216 oranother form of a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.)that sits above cabinet 218. Cabinet 218 or topper display 216 may alsohouse a number of other components which may be used to add features toa game being played on gaming device 200, including speakers 220, aticket printer 222 which prints bar-coded tickets or other media ormechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, a ticketreader 224 which reads bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanismsfor storing or indicating a player's credit value, and a player trackinginterface 232. Player tracking interface 232 may include a keypad 226for entering information, a player tracking display 228 for displayinginformation (e.g., an illuminated or video display), a card reader 230for receiving data and/or communicating information to and from media ora device such as a smart phone enabling player tracking. FIG. 2 alsodepicts utilizing a ticket printer 222 to print tickets for a TITOsystem server 108. Gaming device 200 may further include a billvalidator 234, player-input buttons 236 for player input, cabinetsecurity sensors 238 to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet 218,a primary game display 240, and a secondary game display 242, eachcoupled to and operable under the control of game controller 202.

The games available for play on the gaming device 200 are controlled bya game controller 202 that includes one or more processors 204.Processor 204 represents a general-purpose processor, a specializedprocessor intended to perform certain functional tasks, or a combinationthereof. As an example, processor 204 can be a central processing unit(CPU) that has one or more multi-core processing units and memorymediums (e.g., cache memory) that function as buffers and/or temporarystorage for data. Alternatively, processor 204 can be a specializedprocessor, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC),graphics processing unit (GPU), field-programmable gate array (FPGA),digital signal processor (DSP), or another type of hardware accelerator.In another example, processor 204 is a system on chip (SoC) thatcombines and integrates one or more general-purpose processors and/orone or more specialized processors. Although FIG. 2A illustrates thatgame controller 202 includes a single processor 204, game controller 202is not limited to this representation and instead can include multipleprocessors 204 (e.g., two or more processors).

FIG. 2A illustrates that processor 204 is operatively coupled to memory208. Memory 208 is defined herein as including volatile and nonvolatilememory and other types of non-transitory data storage components.Volatile memory is memory that do not retain data values upon loss ofpower. Nonvolatile memory is memory that do retain data upon a loss ofpower. Examples of memory 208 include random access memory (RAM),read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drives, solid-state drives, universalserial bus (USB) flash drives, memory cards accessed via a memory cardreader, floppy disks accessed via an associated floppy disk drive,optical discs accessed via an optical disc drive, magnetic tapesaccessed via an appropriate tape drive, and/or other memory components,or a combination of any two or more of these memory components. Inaddition, examples of RAM include static random access memory (SRAM),dynamic random access memory (DRAM), magnetic random access memory(MRAM), and other such devices. Examples of ROM include a programmableread-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory(EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory(EEPROM), or other like memory device. Even though FIG. 2A illustratesthat game controller 202 includes a single memory 208, game controller202 could include multiple memories 208 for storing program instructionsand/or data.

Memory 208 can store one or more game programs 206 that provide programinstructions and/or data for carrying out various implementations (e.g.,game mechanics) described herein. Stated another way, game program 206represents an executable program stored in any portion or component ofmemory 208. In one or more implementations, game program 206 is embodiedin the form of source code that includes human-readable statementswritten in a programming language or machine code that containsnumerical instructions recognizable by a suitable execution system, suchas a processor 204 in a game controller or other system. Examples ofexecutable programs include: (1) a compiled program that can betranslated into machine code in a format that can be loaded into arandom access portion of memory 208 and run by processor 204; (2) sourcecode that may be expressed in proper format such as object code that iscapable of being loaded into a random access portion of memory 208 andexecuted by processor 204; and (3) source code that may be interpretedby another executable program to generate instructions in a randomaccess portion of memory 208 to be executed by processor 204.

Alternatively, game programs 206 can be set up to generate one or moregame instances based on instructions and/or data that gaming device 200exchanges with one or more remote gaming devices, such as a centraldetermination gaming system server 106 (not shown in FIG. 2A but shownin FIG. 1 ). For purpose of this disclosure, the term “game instance”refers to a play or a round of a game that gaming device 200 presents(e.g., via a user interface (UI)) to a player. The game instance iscommunicated to gaming device 200 via the network 214 and then displayedon gaming device 200. For example, gaming device 200 may execute gameprogram 206 as video streaming software that allows the game to bedisplayed on gaming device 200. When a game is stored on gaming device200, it may be loaded from memory 208 (e.g., from a read only memory(ROM)) or from the central determination gaming system server 106 tomemory 208.

Gaming devices, such as gaming device 200, are highly regulated toensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming device 200 is operable toaward monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of aredeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatoryrequirements in a gaming environment, hardware and softwarearchitectures are implemented in gaming devices 200 that differsignificantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting generalpurpose computers to function as gaming devices 200 is not simple orstraightforward because of: (1) the regulatory requirements for gamingdevices 200, (2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices 200operate, (3) security requirements, (4) fault tolerance requirements,and (5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentryenabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantialengineering effort with respect to game design implementation, gamemechanics, hardware components, and software.

One regulatory requirement for games running on gaming device 200generally involves complying with a certain level of randomness.Typically, gaming jurisdictions mandate that gaming devices 200 satisfya minimum level of randomness without specifying how a gaming device 200should achieve this level of randomness. To comply, FIG. 2A illustratesthat gaming device 200 could include an RNG 212 that utilizes hardwareand/or software to generate RNG outcomes that lack any pattern. The RNGoperations are often specialized and non-generic in order to comply withregulatory and gaming requirements. For example, in a slot game, gameprogram 206 can initiate multiple RNG calls to RNG 212 to generate RNGoutcomes, where each RNG call and RNG outcome corresponds to an outcomefor a reel. In another example, gaming device 200 can be a Class IIgaming device where RNG 212 generates RNG outcomes for creating Bingocards. In one or more implementations, RNG 212 could be one of a set ofRNGs operating on gaming device 200. More generally, an output of theRNG 212 can be the basis on which game outcomes are determined by thegame controller 202. Game developers could vary the degree of truerandomness for each RNG (e.g., pseudorandom) and utilize specific RNGsdepending on game requirements. The output of the RNG 212 can include arandom number or pseudorandom number (either is generally referred to asa “random number”).

In FIG. 2A, RNG 212 and hardware RNG 244 are shown in dashed lines toillustrate that RNG 212, hardware RNG 244, or both can be included ingaming device 200. In one implementation, instead of including RNG 212,gaming device 200 could include a hardware RNG 244 that generates RNGoutcomes. Analogous to RNG 212, hardware RNG 244 performs specializedand non-generic operations in order to comply with regulatory and gamingrequirements. For example, because of regulation requirements, hardwareRNG 244 could be a random number generator that securely produces randomnumbers for cryptography use. The gaming device 200 then uses the securerandom numbers to generate game outcomes for one or more game features.In another implementation, the gaming device 200 could include bothhardware RNG 244 and RNG 212. RNG 212 may utilize the RNG outcomes fromhardware RNG 244 as one of many sources of entropy for generating securerandom numbers for the game features.

Another regulatory requirement for running games on gaming device 200includes ensuring a certain level of RTP. Similar to the randomnessrequirement discussed above, numerous gaming jurisdictions also mandatethat gaming device 200 provides a minimum level of RTP (e.g., RTP of atleast 75%). A game can use one or more lookup tables (also calledweighted tables) as part of a technical solution that satisfiesregulatory requirements for randomness and RTP. In particular, a lookuptable can integrate game features (e.g., trigger events for specialmodes or bonus games; newly introduced game elements such as extrareels, new symbols, or new cards; stop positions for dynamic gameelements such as spinning reels, spinning wheels, or shifting reels; orcard selections from a deck) with random numbers generated by one ormore RNGs, so as to achieve a given level of volatility for a targetlevel of RTP. (In general, volatility refers to the frequency orprobability of an event such as a special mode, payout, etc. Forexample, for a target level of RTP, a higher-volatility game may have alower payout most of the time with an occasional bonus having a veryhigh payout, while a lower-volatility game has a steadier payout withmore frequent bonuses of smaller amounts.) Configuring a lookup tablecan involve engineering decisions with respect to how RNG outcomes aremapped to game outcomes for a given game feature, while still satisfyingregulatory requirements for RTP. Configuring a lookup table can alsoinvolve engineering decisions about whether different game features arecombined in a given entry of the lookup table or split between differententries (for the respective game features), while still satisfyingregulatory requirements for RTP and allowing for varying levels of gamevolatility.

FIG. 2A illustrates that gaming device 200 includes an RNG conversionengine 210 that translates the RNG outcome from RNG 212 to a gameoutcome presented to a player. To meet a designated RTP, a gamedeveloper can set up the RNG conversion engine 210 to utilize one ormore lookup tables to translate the RNG outcome to a symbol element,stop position on a reel strip layout, and/or randomly chosen aspect of agame feature. As an example, the lookup tables can regulate a prizepayout amount for each RNG outcome and how often the gaming device 200pays out the prize payout amounts. The RNG conversion engine 210 couldutilize one lookup table to map the RNG outcome to a game outcomedisplayed to a player and a second lookup table as a pay table fordetermining the prize payout amount for each game outcome. The mappingbetween the RNG outcome to the game outcome controls the frequency inhitting certain prize payout amounts.

FIG. 2A also depicts that gaming device 200 is connected over network214 to player tracking system server 110. Player tracking system server110 may be, for example, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat®Technologies, Inc. Player tracking system server 110 is used to trackplay (e.g. amount wagered, games played, time of play and/or otherquantitative or qualitative measures) for individual players so that anoperator may reward players in a loyalty program. The player may use theplayer tracking interface 232 to access his/her account information,activate free play, and/or request various information. Player trackingor loyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help buildbrand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typicallycorrespond to the player's level of patronage (e.g., to the player'splaying frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino).Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals,lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player trackinginformation may be combined with other information that is now readilyobtainable by a casino management system.

When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, he/she can insertcash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or billvalidator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gaming device. Thecredit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of thegame and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winninginstances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wagerand increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to thebalance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyaltyclub card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player viewswith one or more UIs, the game outcome on one or more of the primarygame display 240 and secondary game display 242. Other game and prizeinformation may also be displayed.

For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affectplay of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amountwagered by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of linesplayed. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select optionsduring course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonusround or select various items during a feature game). The player maymake these selections using the player-input buttons 236, the primarygame display 240 which may be a touch screen, or using some other devicewhich enables a player to input information into the gaming device 200.

During certain game events, the gaming device 200 may display visual andauditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects addto the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoythe playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that areprojected by the speakers 220. Visual effects include flashing lights,strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gamingdevice 200 or from lights behind the information panel 152 (FIG. 1 ).

When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typicallyby pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticketprinter 222). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted intoanother machine to establish a credit balance for play.

Additionally, or alternatively, gaming devices 104A-104X and 200 caninclude or be coupled to one or more wireless transmitters, receivers,and/or transceivers (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A) that communicate(e.g., Bluetooth® or other near-field communication technology) with oneor more mobile devices to perform a variety of wireless operations in acasino environment. Examples of wireless operations in a casinoenvironment include detecting the presence of mobile devices, performingcredit, points, comps, or other marketing or hard currency transfers,establishing wagering sessions, and/or providing a personalizedcasino-based experience using a mobile application. In oneimplementation, to perform these wireless operations, a wirelesstransmitter or transceiver initiates a secure wireless connectionbetween a gaming device 104A-104X and 200 and a mobile device. Afterestablishing a secure wireless connection between the gaming device104A-104X and 200 and the mobile device, the wireless transmitter ortransceiver does not send and/or receive application data to and/or fromthe mobile device. Rather, the mobile device communicates with gamingdevices 104A-104X and 200 using another wireless connection (e.g., WiFi®or cellular network). In another implementation, a wireless transceiverestablishes a secure connection to directly communicate with the mobiledevice. The mobile device and gaming device 104A-104X and 200 sends andreceives data utilizing the wireless transceiver instead of utilizing anexternal network. For example, the mobile device would perform digitalwallet transactions by directly communicating with the wirelesstransceiver. In one or more implementations, a wireless transmittercould broadcast data received by one or more mobile devices withoutestablishing a pairing connection with the mobile devices.

Although FIGS. 1 and 2A illustrate specific implementations of a gamingdevice (e.g., gaming devices 104A-104X and 200), the disclosure is notlimited to those implementations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . For example,not all gaming devices suitable for implementing implementations of thepresent disclosure necessarily include top wheels, top boxes,information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player trackingsystems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single gamedisplay that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a videodisplay, while others are designed for bar counters or tabletops andhave displays that face upwards. Gaming devices 104A-104X and 200 mayalso include other processors that are not separately shown. Using FIG.2A as an example, gaming device 200 could include display controllers(not shown in FIG. 2A) configured to receive video input signals orinstructions to display images on game displays 240 and 242.Alternatively, such display controllers may be integrated into the gamecontroller 202. The use and discussion of FIGS. 1 and 2 are examples tofacilitate ease of description and explanation.

FIG. 2B depicts a casino gaming environment according to one example. Inthis example, the casino 251 includes banks 252 of EGMs 104. In thisexample, each bank 252 of EGMs 104 includes a corresponding gamingsignage system 254 (also shown in FIG. 2A). According to thisimplementation, the casino 251 also includes mobile gaming devices 256,which are also configured to present wagering games in this example. Themobile gaming devices 256 may, for example, include tablet devices,cellular phones, smart phones and/or other handheld devices. In thisexample, the mobile gaming devices 256 are configured for communicationwith one or more other devices in the casino 251, including but notlimited to one or more of the server computers 102, via wireless accesspoints 258.

According to some examples, the mobile gaming devices 256 may beconfigured for stand-alone determination of game outcomes. However, insome alternative implementations the mobile gaming devices 256 may beconfigured to receive game outcomes from another device, such as thecentral determination gaming system server 106, one of the EGMs 104,etc.

Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured to accept monetarycredits from a credit or debit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., viaa wireless payment app), via tickets, via a patron casino account, etc.However, some mobile gaming devices 256 may not be configured to acceptmonetary credits via a credit or debit card. Some mobile gaming devices256 may include a ticket reader and/or a ticket printer whereas somemobile gaming devices 256 may not, depending on the particularimplementation.

In some implementations, the casino 251 may include one or more kiosks260 that are configured to facilitate monetary transactions involvingthe mobile gaming devices 256, which may include cash out and/or cash intransactions. The kiosks 260 may be configured for wired and/or wirelesscommunication with the mobile gaming devices 256. The kiosks 260 may beconfigured to accept monetary credits from casino patrons 262 and/or todispense monetary credits to casino patrons 262 via cash, a credit ordebit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., via a wireless payment app),via tickets, etc. According to some examples, the kiosks 260 may beconfigured to accept monetary credits from a casino patron and toprovide a corresponding amount of monetary credits to a mobile gamingdevice 256 for wagering purposes, e.g., via a wireless link such as anear-field communications link. In some such examples, when a casinopatron 262 is ready to cash out, the casino patron 262 may select a cashout option provided by a mobile gaming device 256, which may include areal button or a virtual button (e.g., a button provided via a graphicaluser interface) in some instances. In some such examples, the mobilegaming device 256 may send a “cash out” signal to a kiosk 260 via awireless link in response to receiving a “cash out” indication from acasino patron. The kiosk 260 may provide monetary credits to the casinopatron 262 corresponding to the “cash out” signal, which may be in theform of cash, a credit ticket, a credit transmitted to a financialaccount corresponding to the casino patron, etc.

In some implementations, a cash-in process and/or a cash-out process maybe facilitated by the TITO system server 108. For example, the TITOsystem server 108 may control, or at least authorize, ticket-in andticket-out transactions that involve a mobile gaming device 256 and/or akiosk 260.

Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured for receiving and/ortransmitting player loyalty information. For example, some mobile gamingdevices 256 may be configured for wireless communication with the playertracking system server 110. Some mobile gaming devices 256 may beconfigured for receiving and/or transmitting player loyalty informationvia wireless communication with a patron's player loyalty card, apatron's smartphone, etc.

According to some implementations, a mobile gaming device 256 may beconfigured to provide safeguards that prevent the mobile gaming device256 from being used by an unauthorized person. For example, some mobilegaming devices 256 may include one or more biometric sensors and may beconfigured to receive input via the biometric sensor(s) to verify theidentity of an authorized patron. Some mobile gaming devices 256 may beconfigured to function only within a predetermined or configurable area,such as a casino gaming area.

FIG. 2C is a diagram that shows examples of components of a system forproviding online gaming according to some aspects of the presentdisclosure. As with other figures presented in this disclosure, thenumbers, types and arrangements of gaming devices shown in FIG. 2C aremerely shown by way of example. In this example, various gaming devices,including but not limited to end user devices (EUDs) 264 a, 264 b and264 c are capable of communication via one or more networks 417. Thenetworks 417 may, for example, include one or more cellular telephonenetworks, the Internet, etc. In this example, the EUDs 264 a and 264 bare mobile devices: according to this example the EUD 264 a is a tabletdevice and the EUD 264 b is a smart phone. In this implementation, theEUD 264 c is a laptop computer that is located within a residence 266 atthe time depicted in FIG. 2C. Accordingly, in this example the hardwareof EUDs is not specifically configured for online gaming, although eachEUD is configured with software for online gaming. For example, each EUDmay be configured with a web browser. Other implementations may includeother types of EUD, some of which may be specifically configured foronline gaming.

In this example, a gaming data center 276 includes various devices thatare configured to provide online wagering games via the networks 417.The gaming data center 276 is capable of communication with the networks417 via the gateway 272. In this example, switches 278 and routers 280are configured to provide network connectivity for devices of the gamingdata center 276, including storage devices 282 a, servers 284 a and oneor more workstations 570 a. The servers 284 a may, for example, beconfigured to provide access to a library of games for online game play.In some examples, code for executing at least some of the games mayinitially be stored on one or more of the storage devices 282 a. Thecode may be subsequently loaded onto a server 284 a after selection by aplayer via an EUD and communication of that selection from the EUD viathe networks 417. The server 284 a onto which code for the selected gamehas been loaded may provide the game according to selections made by aplayer and indicated via the player's EUD. In other examples, code forexecuting at least some of the games may initially be stored on one ormore of the servers 284 a. Although only one gaming data center 276 isshown in FIG. 2C, some implementations may include multiple gaming datacenters 276.

In this example, a financial institution data center 270 is alsoconfigured for communication via the networks 417. Here, the financialinstitution data center 270 includes servers 284 b, storage devices 282b, and one or more workstations 286 b. According to this example, thefinancial institution data center 270 is configured to maintainfinancial accounts, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, loanaccounts, etc. In some implementations one or more of the authorizedusers 274 a-274 c may maintain at least one financial account with thefinancial institution that is serviced via the financial institutiondata center 270.

According to some implementations, the gaming data center 276 may beconfigured to provide online wagering games in which money may be won orlost. According to some such implementations, one or more of the servers284 a may be configured to monitor player credit balances, which may beexpressed in game credits, in currency units, or in any otherappropriate manner. In some implementations, the server(s) 284 a may beconfigured to obtain financial credits from and/or provide financialcredits to one or more financial institutions, according to a player's“cash in” selections, wagering game results and a player's “cash out”instructions. According to some such implementations, the server(s) 284a may be configured to electronically credit or debit the account of aplayer that is maintained by a financial institution, e.g., an accountthat is maintained via the financial institution data center 270. Theserver(s) 284 a may, in some examples, be configured to maintain anaudit record of such transactions.

In some alternative implementations, the gaming data center 276 may beconfigured to provide online wagering games for which credits may not beexchanged for cash or the equivalent. In some such examples, players maypurchase game credits for online game play, but may not “cash out” formonetary credit after a gaming session. Moreover, although the financialinstitution data center 270 and the gaming data center 276 include theirown servers and storage devices in this example, in some examples thefinancial institution data center 270 and/or the gaming data center 276may use offsite “cloud-based” servers and/or storage devices. In somealternative examples, the financial institution data center 270 and/orthe gaming data center 276 may rely entirely on cloud-based servers.

One or more types of devices in the gaming data center 276 (orelsewhere) may be capable of executing middleware, e.g., for datamanagement and/or device communication. Authentication information,player tracking information, etc., including but not limited toinformation obtained by EUDs 264 and/or other information regardingauthorized users of EUDs 264 (including but not limited to theauthorized users 274 a-274 c), may be stored on storage devices 282and/or servers 284. Other game-related information and/or software, suchas information and/or software relating to leaderboards, playerscurrently playing a game, game themes, game-related promotions, gamecompetitions, etc., also may be stored on storage devices 282 and/orservers 284. In some implementations, some such game-related softwaremay be available as “apps” and may be downloadable (e.g., from thegaming data center 276) by authorized users.

In some examples, authorized users and/or entities (such asrepresentatives of gaming regulatory authorities) may obtaingaming-related information via the gaming data center 276. One or moreother devices (such EUDs 264 or devices of the gaming data center 276)may act as intermediaries for such data feeds. Such devices may, forexample, be capable of applying data filtering algorithms, executingdata summary and/or analysis software, etc. In some implementations,data filtering, summary and/or analysis software may be available as“apps” and downloadable by authorized users.

FIG. 3 illustrates, in block diagram form, an implementation of a gameprocessing architecture 300 that implements a game processing pipelinefor the play of a game in accordance with various implementationsdescribed herein. As shown in FIG. 3 , the gaming processing pipelinestarts with having a UI system 302 receive one or more player inputs forthe game instance. Based on the player input(s), the UI system 302generates and sends one or more RNG calls to a game processing backendsystem 314. Game processing backend system 314 then processes the RNGcalls with RNG engine 316 to generate one or more RNG outcomes. The RNGoutcomes are then sent to the RNG conversion engine 320 to generate oneor more game outcomes for the UI system 302 to display to a player. Thegame processing architecture 300 can implement the game processingpipeline using a gaming device, such as gaming devices 104A-104X and 200shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively. Alternatively, portions of thegaming processing architecture 300 can implement the game processingpipeline using a gaming device and one or more remote gaming devices,such as central determination gaming system server 106 shown in FIG. 1 .

The UI system 302 includes one or more UIs that a player can interactwith. The UI system 302 could include one or more game play UIs 304, oneor more bonus game play UIs 308, and one or more multiplayer UIs 312,where each UI type includes one or more mechanical UIs and/or graphicalUIs (GUIs). In other words, game play UI 304, bonus game play UI 308,and the multiplayer UI 312 may utilize a variety of UI elements, such asmechanical UI elements (e.g., physical “spin” button or mechanicalreels) and/or GUI elements (e.g., virtual reels shown on a video displayor a virtual button deck) to receive player inputs and/or present gameplay to a player. Using FIG. 3 as an example, the different UI elementsare shown as game play UI elements 306A-306N and bonus game play UIelements 310A-310N.

The game play UI 304 represents a UI that a player typically interfaceswith for a base game. During a game instance of a base game, the gameplay UI elements 306A-306N (e.g., GUI elements depicting one or morevirtual reels) are shown and/or made available to a user. In asubsequent game instance, the UI system 302 could transition out of thebase game to one or more bonus games. The bonus game play UI 308represents a UI that utilizes bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N fora player to interact with and/or view during a bonus game. In one ormore implementations, at least some of the game play UI element306A-306N are similar to the bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N. Inother implementations, the game play UI element 306A-306N can differfrom the bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N.

FIG. 3 also illustrates that UI system 302 could include a multiplayerUI 312 purposed for game play that differs or is separate from thetypical base game. For example, multiplayer UI 312 could be set up toreceive player inputs and/or presents game play information relating toa tournament mode. When a gaming device transitions from a primary gamemode that presents the base game to a tournament mode, a single gamingdevice is linked and synchronized to other gaming devices to generate atournament outcome. For example, multiple RNG engines 316 correspondingto each gaming device could be collectively linked to determine atournament outcome. To enhance a player's gaming experience, tournamentmode can modify and synchronize sound, music, reel spin speed, and/orother operations of the gaming devices according to the tournament gameplay. After tournament game play ends, operators can switch back thegaming device from tournament mode to a primary game mode to present thebase game. Although FIG. 3 does not explicitly depict that multiplayerUI 312 includes UI elements, multiplayer UI 312 could also include oneor more multiplayer UI elements.

Based on the player inputs, the UI system 302 could generate RNG callsto a game processing backend system 314. As an example, the UI system302 could use one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) togenerate the RNG calls. To process the RNG calls, the RNG engine 316could utilize gaming RNG 318 and/or non-gaming RNGs 319A-319N. GamingRNG 318 could corresponds to RNG 212 or hardware RNG 244 shown in FIG.2A. As previously discussed with reference to FIG. 2A, gaming RNG 318often performs specialized and non-generic operations that comply withregulatory and/or game requirements. For example, because of regulationrequirements, gaming RNG 318 could correspond to RNG 212 by being acryptographic RNG or pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) (e.g., FortunaPRNG) that securely produces random numbers for one or more gamefeatures. To securely generate random numbers, gaming RNG 318 couldcollect random data from various sources of entropy, such as from anoperating system (OS) and/or a hardware RNG (e.g., hardware RNG 244shown in FIG. 2A). Alternatively, non-gaming RNGs 319A-319N may not becryptographically secure and/or be computationally less expensive.Non-gaming RNGs 319A-319N can, thus, be used to generate outcomes fornon-gaming purposes. As an example, non-gaming RNGs 319A-319N cangenerate random numbers for generating random messages that appear onthe gaming device.

The RNG conversion engine 320 processes each RNG outcome from RNG engine316 and converts the RNG outcome to a UI outcome that is feedback to theUI system 302. With reference to FIG. 2A, RNG conversion engine 320corresponds to RNG conversion engine 210 used for game play. Aspreviously described, RNG conversion engine 320 translates the RNGoutcome from the RNG 212 to a game outcome presented to a player. RNGconversion engine 320 utilizes one or more lookup tables 322A-322N toregulate a prize payout amount for each RNG outcome and how often thegaming device pays out the derived prize payout amounts. In one example,the RNG conversion engine 320 could utilize one lookup table to map theRNG outcome to a game outcome displayed to a player and a second lookuptable as a pay table for determining the prize payout amount for eachgame outcome. In this example, the mapping between the RNG outcome andthe game outcome controls the frequency in hitting certain prize payoutamounts. Different lookup tables could be utilized depending on thedifferent game modes, for example, a base game versus a bonus game.

After generating the UI outcome, the game processing backend system 314sends the UI outcome to the UI system 302. Examples of UI outcomes aresymbols to display on a video reel or reel stops for a mechanical reel.In one example, if the UI outcome is for a base game, the UI system 302updates one or more game play UI elements 306A-306N, such as symbols,for the game play UI 304. In another example, if the UI outcome is for abonus game, the UI system could update one or more bonus game play UIelements 310A-310N (e.g., symbols) for the bonus game play UI 308. Inresponse to updating the appropriate UI, the player may subsequentlyprovide additional player inputs to initiate a subsequent game instancethat progresses through the game processing pipeline.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary table gaming system (or just“gaming system”) 400 in accordance with various embodiments describedherein. In the example embodiment, gaming system 400 includes a serversystem (or just “server”) 402, a memory 404, POS devices 406A-406X, andEGMs 408A-408X that provide a shared gaming experience to patrons in asocial setting, such as at a bar, restaurant, or lounge venue. Theserver system 402 may be similar to the server systems 102 in FIG. 1 andthe EGMs 408 may be similar to the EGMs 104 in FIG. 1 or the gamingdevice 200 in FIG. 2 . In the example embodiment, the EGMs 408 areprovided in a tabletop configuration, such as the tabletop EGM 600 shownin FIG. 6 . Each EGM 408 includes a horizontal display device thatprovides game output for a digital tabletop game provided by the EGM408. Patrons seated or standing around the EGM 408 can elect toparticipate in the game, for example, using game credits purchased orotherwise acquired through payment transactions on the POS devices 406.The server system 402 is configured to track game credits fortransactions at the POS devices 406 and provide those game credits tothe EGMs 408 as patrons play the tabletop game.

For example, a group of friends (“patrons” of the venue) may be havingdrinks at the venue and may gather around the EGM 408A (e.g., for socialconversation, dining, spectating sporting events on a nearby display, orthe like). The venue may provide game credits for the tabletop game aspart of, or in response to, a food or beverage purchase by the patronsat the EGM 408A. For example, drink purchases may include apredetermined number of game credits with every purchase, based on atotal purchase price, or the like. As the patrons perform food orbeverage purchases, a service staff member (e.g., a waiter) enterspurchase transaction details through one of the POS devices 406 (e.g.,cash payments, payment card payments, credit transfers, or the like).The server 402 receives such purchase transactions from the POS devices406 and provides game credits (e.g., individually to a particularpurchaser, or communally to the particular EGM 408A) based on thepurchase transaction. These game credits may then be used by theassociated purchaser or the EGM 408A for tabletop game play as thepatrons enjoy their experiences around the EGM 408A.

More specifically, in the example embodiment, POS devices 406A-406X arepayment terminals or other devices used to facilitate purchases orpayment transactions at the venue (e.g., food and beverage purchases).During a payment transaction, the server 402 receives transaction datafrom the POS device 406 and determines a number of play credits toprovide based on the transaction data. For example, the transaction datamay include a total transaction amount and the server 402 may beconfigured to provide play credits based on that transaction amount(e.g., as a percentage of the total transaction amount, a pre-determinednumber of credits by tier based on the total transaction amount). Thetransaction data may include item-level purchase information (e.g., lineitems, product codes that identifies what was purchased) and the server402 may be configured to provide a pre-determined amount of play creditsbased on the particular item(s) or service(s) purchased (e.g., 2 freespins with a beer purchase, 5 free spins with a top-shelf mixed drinkpurchase, 10 free spins with a bottle of wine or champagne purchase, andso forth). In some embodiments, POS devices 406A-406X may determine theplay credits to provide to the purchaser. The amount of play creditsprovided with the transaction may additionally or alternatively bedetermined or adjusted based on factors such as, for example, the timeor date of the transaction (e.g., different levels of credit duringparticular events, during happy hour periods, or such), the location ofthe transaction (e.g., different levels of credit at particular venues),or a loyalty level of the purchaser (e.g., normal credits for silvermembers or anonymous purchasers, double credits for gold members, triplecredits for platinum members).

In the example embodiment, the server 402 adds the play credits to anaccount associated with the purchaser. In some situations, the purchasermay be a known patron (e.g., a member of a loyalty program, with theplayer having provided their loyalty account as a part of thetransaction) having an existing unique player ID and the server 402 maycredit a player account for that player with the play credits (e.g., ahouse account of the player, a digital wallet account of the player, anonline account of the player). As such, the player may register the playcredits on the EGM 408A by providing their loyalty card at the EGM 408A.In some situations, the server 402 may create a transient account withthe transaction and associate that transient account with identifiableinformation of the purchaser (e.g., a primary account number (PAN) of apayment card used during the transaction, a state or federal ID scannedduring the transaction). As such, the player may register the playcredits on the EGM 408A by providing the payment card or ID to the EGM408A (e.g., via a payment device sensor 410). In some embodiments, theserver 402 or the POS device 406 may print a redeemable ticket thatembodies the play credits (e.g., a TITO ticket, a reward ticket), andthe service staff member may provide the ticket when delivering theorder. As such, the patron may insert the ticket into a ticket reader ofthe EGM 408A to register the play credits. In some embodiments, theservice staff member may associate the purchase transaction with theparticular EGM 408A and the EGM 408A may print the ticket after thetransaction is performed (e.g., on printer 416) or may directly creditthe EGM 408A with the play credits (e.g., with a communal account on theEGM 408A, or to a particular player position of the purchaser identifiedby the service staff member).

In some embodiments, the play credits may be provided to the EGM 408Avia a token device. For example, the venue may use special drinkglasses, plates, or other dishware configured with near-fieldcommunications (NFC) technology (e.g., RFID tags) to deliver playcredits to EGMs 408 for these drink or food purchases. A drink glass(not shown), in one example, may be configured with an RFID tag thatprovides a unique ID for that glass. When an eligible purchase is made,the drink glass used for the order may be identified to the server 402(e.g., during order preparation) and the server 402 may credit the playcredits to the unique ID of the glass. When the glass is delivered tothe EGM 408A, the glass is placed on or near an RFID sensor (e.g., tokensensor 412 installed beneath a tabletop surface of the EGM 408A). Uponreading the unique ID of the glass, the EGM 408A transmits a credittransfer request to the server 402 and the server 402 responds with anidentification of the play credits to apply to the EGM 408A, therebyadding the play credits to the EGM 408A and reducing the play creditsfrom the unique ID of the glass. As such, dishware may be used totransfer play credits to the EGM 408A as part of a purchase transaction.Similarly, in some embodiments, RFID tokens (e.g., customized chips withunique RFID tags) may be used to transfer play credits in similarfashion. In some embodiments, the system 400 may use groups ofparticular glasses, dishes, or the like for particular play creditvalues. For example, RFID beer glasses may be pre-configured with 2 freeplays, RFID wine glasses may be pre-configured with 3 free plays, RFIDappetizer plates may be pre-configured with 5 free plays, and the like.As such, when a particular type of dish is detected (e.g., via tokensensor 414), the system 400 is configured to apply the pre-configuredplay credits of that dish type.

In some embodiments, play credits may be established at the EGM 408Asimilar to the gaming devices 104, 200 of FIGS. 1 and 2 . For example,the players may establish play credits at the EGM 408 by providing aredeemable ticket with a cash value via a ticket reader, such as ticketreader 224 (shown in FIG. 2 ), or by providing cash via a billvalidator, such as bill validator 124. The EGMs 408 may include a singleticket reader or bill validator for the EGM 408 (e.g., providingcommunal play credits for the EGM 408) or may include individual ticketreaders or bill validators for each individual player position at theEGM 408 (e.g., providing position-based play credits). In someembodiments, the players may wirelessly connect with the EGM 408A andestablish play credits to that particular EGM 408A. For example, the EGM408A may wirelessly broadcast (e.g., via Bluetooth®), using a wirelessbeacon, a unique machine ID (UID) of the EGM 408A that is received andread by a mobile device of the player (e.g., EUD 264 shown in FIG. 2C)running a player app. The mobile device may wirelessly connect with andtransmit the UID of the EGM 408A to the server 402, thereby identifyingthe UID of the EGM 408A to the server 402, along with the identity ofthe player (e.g., via user credentials in the player app). The playermay then authorize transfers to or from the EGM 408A (e.g., from aplayer account, loyalty account, digital wallet, stored rewards, or thelike), such as transferring play credits to the EGM 408A, redeemingrewards for play on the EGM 408A, redeeming rewards for food or drinks,receiving balances from the EGM 408A, and so forth, each of which may befacilitated by the server 402 in communication with the EGM 408A. Insome embodiments, the player app may allow the player to select a playerposition at the EGM 408A (e.g., designated by selecting from a graphicalrepresentation of the player positions of the EGM 408A). In someembodiments, the EGM 408A may include separate NFC beacons for eachparticular player position at the EGM 408A and the EGM 408A mayautomatically determine and establish the position of the player at theEGM 408A based on which beacon the mobile device of the player attachesto.

In some embodiments, to EGMs 408A-408X may include weight sensors 414that are configured to transfer play credits in response to sensingcertain weighted items. For example, during order preparation, apreparer may use the POS device 406A to weigh a qualifying item beforeit is delivered to the EGM 408A. The server 102 may, for example, storethe weight of a qualifying item (or an item on a qualifying purchase),the play credits being provided with that item or purchase, and possiblythe UID of the EGM 408A associated with the purchase. When the weigheditem is delivered to the EGM 408A, the waiter or the purchaser may placethe weighed item on the weight sensor 414. Upon sensing an item beingplaced on the weight sensor 414, the EGM 408A may sense the weight ofthe item and transmit that weight to the server 402 in a weighed itemauthorization message. The server 402 looks up the weight of the item,and possibly the UID of the requesting EGM 408A, to determine whetherthere is a pending credit record for an item of approximately thatweight (e.g., within a predetermined threshold, such as 1%, 0.2 kg, 0.1lbs, or the like). If the server 402 locates a valid and unredeemedcredit record, the server 402 determines the play credits associatedwith that record and transfers the play credits to the EGM 408A.

It should be understood that any suitable number of POS devices406A-406X and EGMs 408A-408X may be included. The POS devices 406A-406Xand EGMs 408A-408X are communicatively coupled to the server 402, suchas via a local area network (LAN), a wireless network, or the like. Forexample, POS devices 406A-406X and/or EGMs 408A-408X may communicatewith the server 402 via any suitable wireless communication standard,such as Bluetooth®, WiFi, any near field communications (NFC) standard,and the like. POS devices 406A-406X and/or EGMs 408A-408X maycommunicate with server 402 via any local area network (LAN), any widearea network (WAN), and/or the Internet. In some example embodiments,server 402, memory 404, and one or more EGMs 408A-408X may be integratedinto a single unit (e.g., contained within a single enclosure).

FIG. 5A illustrates example embodiments for a method 500 of establishingplay credits on the EGM 408A in conjunction with a purchase order (e.g.,purchase of food or beverage) made using the POS device 406A in thegaming system 400 shown in FIG. 4 . In the example embodiment, a servicestaff member (e.g., a waiter) receives an order from a patron seated atthe EGM 408A (e.g., a food or drink order) and enters order details forthe purchase order at the POS device 406A. In some embodiments, theorder detail may be received by the POS device 406A (or server 402)automatically (e.g., without waiter input), such as from an online orderentered by the purchaser using their mobile device app and entering theorder into an online order entry system (not shown). In someembodiments, the POS device 406A may perform a payment transaction forthe order (e.g., a payment card transaction, a cash transaction, acredit transaction, or the like). At operation 510, the POS device 406Areceives those order details. The POS device 406A may be, for example,an order entry terminal configured to allow the waiter to enter orderdetails such as menu items ordered by the patron, a seating location ofthe patron (e.g., uniquely identifying the EGM 408A), or patroninformation (e.g., loyalty ID of the patron(s), payment card informationfor the order, or the like). At operation 512, the POS device 406Atransmits order details to the server 402. In the example embodiment,the order details include menu item identifiers for one or more itemsthat, in addition to providing an underlying food or beverage item orservice, also privilege the purchaser with play credits with thepurchase of that item. For example, the venue may be offering a freeplay credit (e.g., a free spin at the EGMs 408) with the purchase ofevery beer or glass of wine. As such, the order details may provide amenu item identifier for the particular beer or wine ordered by thepatron, and the system 400 is configured to facilitate the transfer ofthat play credit for use on the EGMs 408. In some embodiments, the orderdetail may identify the EGM 408A (e.g., based on a unique UID of the EGM408A determined based on a seating location of the order), and mayinclude position information identifying particular menu items byvarious positions at the EGM 408A (e.g., a beer ordered by a patron atposition one, a glass of wine ordered by another patron at position two,and so forth). In some embodiments, the order detail may identify one ormore individual patrons (e.g., by patron ID or the like), and may alsoassociate individual patrons with particular positions at the EGM 408A.

At operation 514, the server 402 receives the order details from the POSdevice 406A and determines a number of play credits to provide for theorder based on the order detail. For example, the order may haveincluded item identifiers for the two beers and the glass of wine, andthe server 402 may be configured to provide a play credit for each ofthose types of item identifiers (e.g., based on a pre-configuredpurchase list associating item identifiers with credit values for eachpurchase of that item identifier). In some embodiments, the server 402may be configured to provide play credits based on a percentage of apurchase price (e.g., a percentage of charged value of eligible items orservices, a percentage of total charged value, or such). In someembodiments, the server 402 may be configured with one or more tiers ofpurchased value and associated play credits for each tier (e.g., twofree plays with a purchase of at least $15.00, three free plays forpurchase of at least $25.00, and so forth).

In some embodiments, the system 400 is configured to provide the playcredits direct to the EGM 408 in preparation for game play (whethercommunally to the entire EGM 408A or individually to particularpositions at the EGM 408A), where in other embodiments, the system 400is configured to transfer the play credits to individual players andallow those individual players to apply the play credits to the EGM 408Awhen they wish to enter into game play. At test 516, if the system 400is configured for providing play credit direct to the EGMs 408 (or ifthe transaction is otherwise configured for direct to EGM payment, suchas through waiter selection or based on a lack of player identificationwith the order), the server 402 transfers the determined play credits tothe EGM 408A, and optionally to a particular position at that EGM 408Aat operation 530. As such, at operation 532, the EGM 408A registers theplay credits for use, and the EGM 408A is ready for game play.

If, at test 516, the system is not configured for providing play creditdirect to the EGMs 408 (or if the transaction is configured to provideplay credit to individuals, such as when player identification isavailable for the purchaser or based on waiter selection), the server402 transfers the play credits to the individual purchaser(s) atoperation 520. In the example embodiment, the order details for thetransaction include a player ID for one or more loyalty members of apurchaser, and the server 402 identifies a player account associatedwith the patron (e.g., an account maintained as part of a loyaltyprogram) and credits that player account with the determined playcredits. In some embodiments, for example for “anonymous” patronswithout an identified player account, the server 402 may create atemporary account (e.g., a transient account) using other playeridentifying data provided in the order data (e.g., a payment accountnumber of a payment card used with the order, a room card or photo IDprovided in the order details), and may transfer the play credits tothat transient account. The player may later use that same payment cardat the EGM 408A to identify themselves and access the play credits fromthe transient account. Such indirect transfer sets up the play creditsfor later transfer to the EGM 408. When the player is at the EGM 408A,the player may use their mobile device to establish their presence atthe particular EGM 408A (e.g., via wirelessly detecting the UID of theEGM 408A) at operation 522. At operation 524, the mobile devicetransmits a play credit transfer request message to the server 402indicating an amount of play credits to transfer from the player accountof the player and the UID of the EGM 408A. In other embodiments, theplayer may present their payment card, room card, their loyalty card,government ID, or other personal card at the EGM 408A, which may betransmitted to the server 402 for identification of the accountassociated with that individual. At operation 530, the server 402similarly transfers the play credits to the EGM 408A and, thus, the EGM408A is prepared for game play at operation 532.

FIG. 5B illustrates example embodiments for another method 550 ofestablishing play credits on the EGM 408A in conjunction with a purchaseorder using the POS device 406A in the gaming system 400 shown in FIG. 4. In this method 500, play credits associated with the order aredelivered to the EGM 408A using RFID tags attached to dishware or otherobjects (“tagged object(s)” or “tagged items”) delivered to thepurchaser during fulfilment of the order. For example, glasses or platesmay be constructed with passive RFID tags, or a tag device (e.g.,passive or active) may be transferred to the purchaser upon placement ofthe order or upon acceptance of a completed order. The play creditsprovided by the particular purchase are associated with the taggeditem(s) during the order process, and when the tagged items aredelivered to the EGM 408A, the EGM 408A senses the tagged items andestablishes the play credits.

More specifically, in the example method 550 shown here, the POS device406A receives order details (e.g., from the waiter, from an onlineordering system, or the like) at operation 560. These order details maybe similar to the order details described above in relation to operation510 of FIG. 5A. Additionally, in the example embodiment, the orderdetails also include one or more tag IDs that are to be associated withthe order. For example, during order entry or order preparation, thewaiter or an order preparer (e.g., a cook, a bartender) may associatetag IDs of one or more dishes (e.g., tagged beverage glass, taggedappetizer plate, or the like) or a dedicated tagged device (e.g., taggedchip, tagged pager device, tagged rewards card, or the like) with theorder, thereby storing an association between an order number of theorder and the tagged device(s) (e.g., the tagged IDs). At operation 562,the POS device 406A transmits the order details and tag IDs to theserver 402 and, at operation 564, the server 402 determines play creditsbased on the received order details. Operations 562 and 564 may besimilar to operations 512 and 514 shown in FIG. 5A.

At operation 566, in the example embodiment, the server 402 associatesthe determined play credits with one or more of the tag IDs identifiedin the order details. For example, the server 402 may store an entry inan orders database (not separately shown) indicating a particular tag IDof a dish being used to fulfil the order (e.g., a tagged drink glassused to hold an ordered drink) and a number of play credits beingprovided with the purchase (e.g., one free play credit for ordering thatdrink, a number of free play credits associated with the entire order,or the like). In some situations, the order may include multipleindividually-qualifying order items and, as such, the server 402 may beconfigured to associate particular play credits with each qualifyingitem, where each qualifying item may include a distinct tagged item(e.g., one free play credit for a beer served in a tagged mug for afirst patron, two free play credits for a top shelf mixed drink servedin a tagged glass, five free play credits for an entree served on atagged dinner plate). As such, play credits may be awarded to particularindividuals at the EGM 408A through their own tagged items. Once theserver 402 has stored these associations, the system 400 is prepared todeliver play credits to EGMs 408 via the tagged item(s).

Continuing this example, the waiter delivers the tagged items to the EGM408A at operation 570. The EGM 408A includes one or more RFID tagreaders (e.g., active readers embedded with a table top surface of theEGM 408A or otherwise contained within the EGM 408A). At operation 572,the tag reader of the EGM 408A reads the tag ID(s) from the taggeditem(s). In one example embodiment, the EGM 408A includes a single tagreader for receipt of “communal credits,” or credits registered to theEGM 408A in a single credit balance and not necessarily to anyparticular individual position or player at the EGM 408A. For example,the table surface of the EGM 408A may include surface markingsindicating where tagged items can be placed for optimal tag recognitionby the reader, and the waiter or the players may deliver or otherwiseplace the tagged item(s) at that location to trigger the reader torecognize the tagged items. In another example embodiment, the EGM 408Amay define multiple independent positions at the EGM 408A (e.g.,maintaining separate position credit balances for each position). Insuch embodiments, the EGM 408A may include a separate reader at eachposition configured to read tags and add play credits to that position'sbalance on the EGM 408A.

At operation 574, the EGM 408A transmits one or more tag detectionmessages to the server 402. In the example embodiment, the tag detectionmessages include the UID of the EGM 408A and the tag ID(s) detected bythe tag reader. At operation 580, the server 402 looks up the playcredits associated with each provided tag ID and, at operation 582,transfers the play credits to the EGM 408A (e.g., to the communal creditmeter of the EGM 408A or to a particular position meter of one of thepositions of the EGM 408A). At operation 584, the EGM 408A receives theplay credits transfer and registers the play credits to the particularmeter, thereby making the additional play credits available for gameplay on the EGM 408A.

In some embodiments, the system 400 may associate particular tag IDswith particular positions at the EGM 408A (e.g., at operation 566, basedon order information identifying which player/position orderedparticular items). As such, any one of the tag readers may be configuredto read the tag IDs and the server 402 may transfer the associated playcredits with the particular position (e.g., at operation 582, andregardless of whether a communal tag reader or a particular position tagreader is used to read the tags).

In some embodiments, the system 400 may use a printed ticket in lieu ofthe tagged item. For example, the POS device 406A may print out a ticket(e.g., a TITO ticket) that can be redeemed at the EGM 408A for credit.The ticket may include an optical image such as a QR code, bar code, orthe like, and the EGM 408A may include a scanner device (e.g., ticketreader 224) that is configured to scan and redeem tickets (e.g., afterlookup and authorization from the server 402). In other embodiments, theticket may include a code (e.g., a unique ticket ID) that the playerenters into the EGM 408A to redeem the ticket. The EGM 408A sends thecode to the server for redemption. The server 402 may transfer the playcredits to the redeeming EGM 408A after successful authorization.

Once the play credits for the order are credited to the EGM 408A, theplayers at the EGM 408A can engage in game play. FIGS. 6-8 illustrateexample embodiments of game play and use of play credits in greaterdetail.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary tabletop EGM 600 for usewith gaming system 400 shown in FIG. 4 . For example, EGM 600 maygenerally function as described with respect to EGMs 408A-408X, and mayinclude any of the hardware components of gaming devices 104, 200 shownand described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2A. FIG. 7 is a planview of the EGM 600. Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the EGM 600includes a game table 602 and a play surface 604 disposed on a topsurface of game table 602. While the play surface 604 is positionedhorizontally upon game table 602 in FIGS. 6 and 7 , in otherembodiments, play surface 604 may have another orientation (e.g., avertical orientation, a slanted orientation) that enables the EGM 600 toperform any of the functions described herein. In the exampleembodiment, the EGM 600 includes a display device (not separately shownin FIGS. 6 and 7 ) configured to display digital graphics on the playsurface 604. In other words, some or all of the play surface 604 may bea surface of the display device.

In the example game shown here, the display device displays a wheel 606that is spun during game play, stopping to mark player outcomes relativeto one or more player position markers 608, each of which are stationaryduring game play. In other embodiments, the wheel 606 may be amechanical or electromechanical wheel disposed on game surface 604. TheEGM 600 provides positions for eight individual players, representedhere by the eight player position markers 608. In other embodiments, theEGM 600 may provide any number of individual positions, or may provide asingle position marker for all of the players (e.g., for communal gameplay). In some embodiments, the player position markers 608 aredigitally displayed on the display device, where in other embodiments,the player position markers 608 are physical objects configured atpre-determined positions on the play surface 604. While not separatelydepicted here, the EGM 600 may provide separate credit meters for eachindividual player position or may provide a single credit meter (e.g., a“communal credit meter”) for use by any of the players at the EGM 600,and the EGM 600 may display credit meter balance(s) on the play surface604. In the example embodiment, each player position also includes apush button 610 which the player may use to initiate game play. In someembodiments, the play surface 604 may include a touchscreen device (notseparately shown) covering some or all of the play surface 604 thatallows the players to provide player inputs (e.g., touch gestures)during use of the EGM 600. For example, the EGM 600 may digitallydisplay the player position markers 608 and may allow the players toinitiate game play or enter into a round of play by pressing their ownplayer position marker 608.

In some embodiments, the EGM 600 may include one or more tag readers(e.g., active reader device, not separately shown) configured to senseand read RFID tags of tagged items placed on or near the EGM 600. Forexample, the EGM 600 may include tag readers beneath the play surface604 in each corner, thereby allowing the EGM 600 to detect tagged itemsset on the play surface 604, such as the drink glasses 614 shown in FIG.6 . In some embodiments, the tag readers may be enclosed within theframe of the EGM 600 (e.g., near or in lieu of push buttons 610). Insome embodiments, each player position may include an associated tagreader. As such, when tagged items are delivered to the EGM 600, tagreaders may be used by the EGM 600 to detect those tagged items anddeliver play credits to the credit meters provided by the EGM 600 (e.g.,as shown and described above with respect to FIG. 5B).

In the example embodiment, the EGM 600 provides a wheel-based game. Thewheel 606 includes a plurality of sectors 612, some of which maycorrespond to a specific prize available to be won during game play. Inthe example shown here, some sectors 612 provide a free drink or anaward of play credits, where other sectors 612 provide no award. In someembodiments, the EGM 600 allows multiple players to simultaneously playin an instance of game play. For example, presume four friends aresitting around EGM 600 and have ordered qualifying food or beveragesthat provided play credits on the EGM 600 (e.g., as described in FIGS.5A and 5B). In embodiments where the EGM 600 allows multiple players toparticipate in an instance of game play, any one or more of the playersmay enter into an upcoming instance of play by providing a participationinput (e.g., pressing their push button 610 or player position marker608). Upon detecting the first participation input, the EGM 600 mayinitiate and display a participation timer (e.g., 3 seconds, 5 seconds,10 seconds), thereby allowing other players to consider participating inthis instance of play before the timer runs out. Any players providingparticipation input for that instance of play causes their playerposition to become vested in the game instance and decreasing a creditmeter of the EGM 600 for each participating player (e.g., decrementingindividual credit meters for the participating player positions ordecrementing the communal credit meter for the EGM 600). Once the timerexpires, the EGM 600 ceases accepting new participation inputs andperforms the instance of game play with the vested players participatingin the outcome.

In some embodiments, the EGM 600 may provide the wheel game with oneplayer at a time (e.g., one player per game instance). For example, theEGM 600 may immediately initiate an instance of the game whenever anyone of the players presses their spin button. In such an embodiment, theEGM 600 identifies which player (e.g., which player position) initiatesgame play based on the button pressed, decrements play credits from theassociated credit meter of that player (or from a communal game meter),and spins the wheel to determine a game result just based on the playerposition marker 608 of that player. As such, the outcome is evaluatedfor only the one participating player.

In some embodiments, the EGM 600 may provide the wheel game communally,with only one outcome for each spin. For example, the wheel 606 mayinclude only one fixed marker similar to the player position markers608, but a single marker used to determine one outcome from each spin.In some such embodiments, the EGM 600 may maintain a communal creditmeter for the EGM 600 and may allow any player to initiate a gameinstance, providing any game awards back to the communal credit meter orotherwise back to the EGM 600 generically (e.g., not specifically to anyparticular player). In other embodiments, the EGM 600 may maintainplayer credit meters for each particular player position and players mayindividually decide whether to participate in a particular instance ofgame play (e.g., as described above with regard to vesting during theparticipation timer countdown), but the EGM 600 may only provide asingle marker and a single outcome from each game instance. In such anembodiment, when an award is generated, all of the vested players winthe award. For example, if three players participate in a particulargame instance, the EGM 600 may reduce play credits for each of the threeparticipations, either individually from each of the participatingplayer's credit meters or collectively from a communal credit meter. Ifan award is generated, such as a free drink, then all threeparticipating players win a free drink individually, or three drinks areawarded to the EGM 600 communally.

During a game instance, the EGM 600 performs an RNG call (e.g. using RNGengine 316 and RNG conversion engine 320 of game processing backendsystem 314, shown in FIG. 3 ) that is used to provide an outcome andassociated game graphics that is presented by the EGM 600. For example,the EGM 600 may use the output of the RNG call to determine a finaldisplay position of the wheel 606 (e.g., using a lookup table 322 storedin memory 404). Once EGM 600 has determined the final position of wheel606, EGM 600 may rotate wheel 606 accordingly (e.g., as an animation ofa spin). A player corresponding to one or more of the vested playerposition markers 608 may be awarded a prize that corresponds to thesector 612 that is aligned with the corresponding player position. Insome embodiments, the EGM 600 may include a ticket printer (e.g., ticketprinter 222), and some awards may cause a voucher to be printed for thegiven award (e.g., free game plays on other EGMs 104 or table games,free food or beverage coupons).

In other embodiments, the EGM 600 may provide a slot-style game (notshown) using the play credits on the EGM 600. For example, theslot-style game may provide one or more slot reels that spin during eachgame instance. The slot reel strip(s) may be configured to includewinning and non-winning symbols that indicate game play outcome for oneor more participating players or communally for the EGM 600. Similar tothe single vested player or multiple vested players embodimentsdescribed above, the slot-style game may provide a spin of the reel(s)for one player per game instance, or may allow multiple players to vestparticipation for each game instance. In some embodiments, the EGM 600may size the play area of the reel strip(s) based on the number ofparticipating players. For example, a single player game instance mayprovide a 1×1 or 1×3 play area (for one-reel or three-reel variants,respectively), awarding the one participating player based on the reelspin outcomes (e.g., providing any or all awards shown in the displayarea after the reel spin completes). In a multi-player game instance,the EGM 600 may expand the play area to include a row for eachparticipating player (e.g., n×1, n×3, where n is the number ofparticipating players). The EGM 600 may display one player positionmarker on each row of the play area to indicate which player position isassigned to that particular row. When the spinning of the reels iscomplete, the EGM 600 evaluates each row of the spin result and providesany awards from the row to the associated participating player. As such,the EGM 600 provides a multi-player slot-style game that can be enjoyedby a variable number of participants.

FIG. 8 is flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 800 for providingan electronic game implemented using gaming system 400 shown in FIG. 4on the EGM 600 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 . In the example embodiment, theEGM 600 provides the wheel-based game shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , but othergame types are possible. At operation 810, the EGM 600 prepares for anew game instance. The EGM 600 begins, in this example, with playcredits having been previously credited to one or more credit meters onthe EGM 600 using, for example, one or more of the methods 500, 550shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In other embodiments, the EGM 600 may acceptcash, coin, tickets, or other forms of payment to establish play creditson the EGM 600. At operation 812, the EGM 600 receives a firstparticipation input, such as one of the players pressing their button610 or player position marker 608. At operation 814, the EGM 600decrements a credit meter for the first participation, thereby vestingthe first player in this game instance (e.g., from a player positioncredit meter, or from a communal credit meter of the EGM 600).

If, at test 816, the EGM 600 is not configured for multi-player play,then the EGM 600 initiates game play for the game instance anddetermines a result of the game instance at operation 820 (e.g., usingRNG output). At operation 822, the EGM 600 awards the participatingplayer based on the game instance result.

If, at test 816, the EGM 600 is configured for multi-player play, thenthe EGM 600 initiates a participation timer at operation 830. Theparticipation timer allows a window of time within which other playerscan elect to participate, and may be pre-configured on the EGM 600 ormay be changed by the players via a settings user interface (not shown).At test 832, if another player input is received for another playerbefore the participation timer expires, the EGM 600 decrements a creditmeter based on this extra participation (e.g., similar to operation814). When, at test 836, the participation timer expires, the EGM 600determines the game instance results at operation 820 (for any and allof the participating players) and awards the players based on the gameinstance results at operation 822.

While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, itwill be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made bythose skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of theinvention. Any variation and derivation from the above description andfigures are included in the scope of the present invention as defined bythe claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gaming system comprising an electronic gamingmachine (EGM), the EGM comprising: a display device; a reader deviceconfigured to wirelessly detect tagged items within a detection range;an EGM processor configured to execute instructions stored in at leastone memory that, when executed, cause the EGM processor to at least:detect, using the reader device, the presence of a first tagged itemwithin the detection range; and increment a first credit meter on theEGM by an amount of play credits based on the detection of the presenceof the first tagged item; and a gaming support server comprising aserver processor configured to execute instructions that, when executed,cause the server processor to at least: receive an order details messagefrom a point of sale (POS) device, the order details message including atag identifier (ID) of the first tagged item; determine the amount ofplay credits based on the order detail message; store a tagged itemrecord in a database, the tagged item record identifies the tag ID ofthe first tagged item and the determined amount of play credits; receivea tag detection message from the EGM including the tag ID; look up thedetermined amount of play credits from the database based on the tag ID;and transmit a response message including the amount of play credits tothe EGM.
 2. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the EGM processor isfurther configured to conduct instances of game play of an electronicgame on the display device, each instance of game play decrementing thefirst credit meter to enable play.
 3. The gaming system of claim 2,wherein the order details message further includes a menu item IDidentifying one of a beverage item and a food item included in apurchase order, wherein determining the amount of play credits includesdetermining the amount of play credits associated with the menu item IDfrom a preconfigured database of menu item IDs and associated playcredits to provide with a purchase of that menu item ID.
 4. The gamingsystem of claim 2, wherein the order details message further includes atotal amount of a purchase order, wherein determining the amount of playcredits includes determining the amount of play credits based on one of(1) a percentage of the total amount of the purchase order and (2) aplay credit tier amount identified in a tiered data structure thatidentifies pre-defined ranges of purchase order amounts and associatedamounts of play credits to be provided with purchase orders fallingwithin that tier.
 5. The gaming system of claim 2 further comprising thePOS device, the POS device comprising an RFID reader device and a POSprocessor configured to execute instructions that, when executed, causethe POS processor to at least: receive order data for a purchasetransaction; receive the tag ID from a scan of the tagged item duringorder preparation; and create and transmit the order details message tothe gaming support server.
 6. The gaming system of claim 5, wherein theorder data identifies menu items associated with a plurality of playerpositions at the EGM, wherein the POS processor is further configuredto: receive tag IDs for a plurality of tagged items scanned during orderpreparation; and associate each tagged item of the plurality of taggeditems with a particular player position of the plurality of playerpositions.
 7. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the reader device isan active radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader configured todetect RFID tags, wherein the first tagged item includes an RFID tag. 8.The gaming system of claim 7, wherein the first tagged item is one of abeverage container and a food plate used to serve a beverage or food inresponse to a purchase order.
 9. The gaming system of claim 1, whereinthe first credit meter is configured as a communal credit meter used forall instances of game play on the EGM.
 10. The gaming system of claim 1,wherein the EGM provides a plurality of player positions, wherein theEGM manages a plurality of player position credit meters, one playerposition credit meter for each player position of the plurality ofplayer positions, wherein the first credit meter is one of the pluralityof player position credit meters.
 11. The gaming system of claim 10,wherein the EGM processor is further configured to receive a responsemessage that identifies a first player position of the plurality ofplayer positions, wherein incrementing the first credit meter furtherincludes incrementing a player position credit meter associated with thefirst player position.
 12. The gaming system of claim 11, wherein theEGM processor is further configured to transmit a tag detection messagethat includes identification of a player position of the plurality ofplayer positions, wherein incrementing the first credit meter furtherincludes incrementing the identified player position.
 13. The gamingsystem of claim 1, wherein conduct instances of game play of anelectronic game on the display device includes providing a wheel game onthe display device, the wheel game including at least one markerdisplayed on the display device, wherein the EGM further includes atouchscreen device configured to receive player inputs on the at leastone marker displayed on the display device.
 14. The gaming system ofclaim 13, wherein the wheel game is a multiplayer game that includes aplayer position marker for each player position of a plurality of playerpositions, wherein each player position marker of the plurality ofplayer positions generates a game result on a game wheel independent ofthe other player position markers.
 15. The gaming system of claim 1,wherein conducting instances of game play of the electronic game on thedisplay device includes providing a multiplayer slot-style gameconfigured to dynamically determine a size of a play area for aparticular game instance based on a number of players participating inthat game instance.
 16. A method performed by a gaming system includingan electronic gaming machine (EGM) including a display device, a readerdevice configured to wirelessly detect tagged items within a detectionrange, an EGM processor configured to execute instructions stored in atleast one memory, and a gaming support server including a serverprocessor, the method comprising: receiving, by the server processor, anorder details message from a point of sale (POS) device, the orderdetails message including the a tag identifier (ID) of a first taggeditem; determining, by the server processor, an amount of play creditsbased on the order detail message; storing, by the server processor, atagged item record in a database, the tagged item record identifies thetag ID of the first tagged item and the determined amount of playcredits; detecting, by the EGM processor using the reader device, thepresence of the first tagged item within the detection range; receiving,by the server processor, a tag detection message from the EGM includingthe tag ID; looking up, by the server processor, the determined amountof play credits from the database based on the tag ID; transmitting, bythe server processor a response message including the amount of playcredits to the EGM; and incrementing, by the EGM processor, a firstcredit meter on the EGM by the amount of play credits based on thedetection of the presence of the first tagged item.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, further comprising conducting, by the EGM processor, instancesof game play of an electronic game on the display device, each instanceof game play decrementing the first credit meter to enable play.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the POS device includes an RFID readerdevice and a POS processor, and wherein the method further includes:receiving, by the POS processor, order data for a purchase transaction;receiving, by the POS processor, the tag ID from a scan of the taggeditem during order preparation; and creating and transmitting, by the POSprocessor, the order details message to the gaming support server. 19.The method of claim 18, wherein the order data identifies menu itemsassociated with a plurality of player positions at the EGM, and whereinthe method further comprises: receiving, by the POS processor, tag IDsfor a plurality of tagged items scanned during order preparation; andassociating, by the POS processor, each tagged item of the plurality oftagged items with a particular player position of the plurality ofplayer positions.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein conductinginstances of game play of an electronic game on the display deviceincludes providing, by the EGM processor, a wheel game on the displaydevice, the wheel game including at least one marker displayed on thedisplay device, wherein the EGM further includes a touchscreen deviceconfigured to receive player inputs on the at least one marker displayedon the display device.